Homelessness Down Nationwide, Up 13 Percent in New York City

Bucking the trend

New York City's homeless population increased by 13 percent at the beginning of this year as it continued to buck a national trend, new federal statistics show.

Homelessness, especially among families, has been growing in the city even as the local economy has recovered, and the new data underscores the challenges facing the mayor-elect, Bill de Blasio, who made affordable housing a centerpiece of his campaign.